electric fields, the human body, and the internet

[Q Classic]

http://www.siggraph.org/s2003/conference/etech/electaura.html

http://www.technologyreview.com/articles/rnb_101703.asp

ok, so there these guys, right, from asia, and so they've successfully demonstrated a broadband wireless connection that uses electric fields to transmit information at 10mbps.

these electric fields they use? human electric fields.

that's so cool.

[KrazyHorse]

It doesn't sound like it's actually the electric field of the human body, but rather an induced electric field which is transported along a human body...

In other words, you're a human waveguide...

[Spiffor]

And how fast do you die from cancer then ?

[Q Classic]

bah, a eurocom luddite afraid of technology.

this is why asia will lead the future.

[KrazyHorse]

Generally electric fields used in communication are of very low intensity, except when they actually have to transmit over large distances. The energy output is almost certainly hundreds of times lower than that of a cell phone.

[KrazyHorse]

And definitely much lower than a ham radio or something...

If you're really taht afraid you probably shouldn't stand next to a microwave either. Those things pump out huge amounts of electromagnetic flux...

[Az]

I, personally, try not to.

Though, honestly, I don't know why is it dangerous. I guess the hype got me. I am doing things because everyone else does.

[st_swithin]

What if you're standing in a large body of water and smoking a cigarette while that thing's on? I fear change. My wavelengths don't need a new amplitude.

[KrazyHorse]

Originally posted by Azazel
I, personally, try not to.

Though, honestly, I don't know why is it dangerous. I guess the hype got me. I am doing things because everyone else does.

It's pretty silly. If large EM fields **** you up then I'm already dead meat. Half the labs here are bathed in magnetic fields of a hundred Gauss or so (.01 T)...

[KrazyHorse]

Originally posted by st_swithin
What if you're standing in a large body of water and smoking a cigarette while that thing's on? I fear change. My wavelengths don't need a new amplitude.

You're already getting a nice buzz off of whatever lights are on around you. If they're fluorescent, it's even worse...

[st_swithin]

I still worry about the dosimeter I had to wear as a child.

[Az]

OTOH, what about all of those RADAR technicians getting cancer?

[KrazyHorse]

My girlfriend has to wear one all day at work...

[KrazyHorse]

Originally posted by Azazel
OTOH, what about all of those RADAR technicians getting cancer?

Radar fields are intense. Standing in front of the dish is like standing inside the microwave...

[st_swithin]

If her arm starts glowing, RUN!!

I accidentally dropped mine behind a lead shield into a flask of tritiated cholesterol. I bet the lab techs almost shat themselves when they tested it. Or else they thought I was washing my hands in it.